Posted by lilpatience
a resident of another community
on Jan 9, 2009 at 3:33 pm

No Hellboy II on your list; not even Luke Goss out stand performance as Prince Nuada get's a mention?
Luke Goss the most ignored actor in Hollywood!!! But the nicest guy in the world!!!
www.lukegossforum.com

I thought Goss was fantastic in "Hellboy II" and his performance earned him a slot as one of the year's top villains. But I didn't think "Hellboy II" was one of the best movies of the year. I did like it quite a bit though.

To Dave: I'm Tyler Hanley. :-) "The Visitor" just BARELY missed my list (it would be about my #12). It was a terrific film and I thought Richard Jenkins was excellent and deserves an Oscar nomination for his performance. I disagree with you about "Slumdog Millionaire." I don't think it is overrated at all, quite the opposite. It is very difficult to make a film set in a different country with no recognizable actors and STILL hit with American audiences. Although I do think "Milk" is 2008's best film, "Slumdog" was very special. Again, just my opinion.

Posted by Resident
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Jan 9, 2009 at 10:30 pm

I haven't seen all the movies on the critics' lists, but I can't understand why Australia isn't up there with the best. For one to put it in their bottom list amazes me. Granted it was long, but that only added to the charm. The movie continued through several subplots to reach a conclusion that really put love and commitment into a new light. Was it because the movie dealt with issues like war and racism from a different perspective than the normal American attitudes. Personally, I thought that was one of the reasons that made it so thought provoking. The movie deals with issues like class, race, war, and inheritance in a different perspective which makes it thought provoking from another point of view.

I only hope that this is one of those movies that takes on more acclaim after the initial release and the public are able to make up its own mind. The fact that this was released in selected theaters probably means that many moviegoers have not had the opportunity to view the movie and the critics are only looking for what fits the traditional genres.